News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for various counties in South Carolina as strong storms approach the region. Residents of Coastal Colleton and Beaufort County are advised to stay alert for potential hazards, including damaging winds and possible flash flooding. Doppler radar indicates a significant storm moving northeast, prompting warnings until late evening. Areas affected include Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, and surrounding locations. With risks of strong winds and lightning, community preparedness is crucial.
Charleston, SC: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued as Storm System Approaches
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for multiple counties in South Carolina following a storm system expected to move through the region. The alert was made at 11:11 p.m. on Tuesday, warning residents until 11:45 p.m. of strong thunderstorms affecting Coastal Colleton and Beaufort County.
Doppler radar indicated a significant thunderstorm located over Parris Island, moving northeast at a speed of 15 mph. Wind gusts from these storms are projected to reach up to 60 mph, which could be strong enough to knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects, creating hazardous conditions in the affected areas.
The locations impacted by the alert include Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Port Royal, Edisto Beach, Ladys Island, Fripp Island, Parris Island, Burton, Shell Point, and Hilton Head Airport. Residents are advised to stay informed by listening to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, local television, or news sources for up-to-date information on these weather conditions.
Severe Thunderstorm Development and Threats
A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect until 9 p.m. for Charleston County, and until 10 p.m. for Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. As part of the weather system, thunderstorms were observed along a line stretching from near Hampton Plantation State Park over to Isle of Palms, moving southeast at approximately 45 mph.
Primary hazards associated with these storms include strong to locally damaging wind gusts and the potential for small hail. This increase in wind speeds poses a risk to roofs, siding, trees, and power lines, while also presenting dangers for high-profile vehicles traveling over bridges. An isolated tornado is also a possibility as the storm system continues to develop.
Lightning and Flooding Risks
Significant lightning risks have also been identified, with NWS statistics showing around 25 million lightning strikes occur annually within the United States, resulting in roughly 20 fatalities each year. In addition to lightning, recent heavy rainfall has led residents to prepare for potential flash flooding. Previous rainfall records highlight the urgency of this weather alert, as Charleston International Airport recorded 1.99 inches of rain since midnight, breaking a 1952 record of 1.93 inches for May 11. Downtown Charleston also saw substantial rainfall, totaling 2.06 inches, which surpassed a historical record set in 1899.
As a result of this severe weather, multiple counties have experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms, leading to impassable roads in Charleston due to flooding. Flash Flood Warnings were also issued for parts of Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina, but these warnings have since expired as the storm continued to move through the region.
Expected Storm Path and Timing
The NWS expects the storm system to reach the I-95 corridor, impacting northwestern Colleton, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties, and Beaufort County between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The storm is anticipated to hit Charleston and southeastern Berkeley Counties between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., raising concerns about rapidly changing weather conditions.
The Live 5 Weather team has designated Monday as a First Alert Weather Day due to the amplified threat of severe thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center has indicated a Level 3 out of 5 threat for inland areas of South Carolina, highlighting the potential severity of the storms.
As conditions continue to evolve, residents are urged to make preparations for possible severe weather and to ensure all safety measures are observed. It’s crucial for local communities to stay alert and heed warnings as they are issued.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Google Search: severe thunderstorm
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Fox Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- WLTX
- Google News: Weather Alerts
- WYFF4
- Google Scholar: Weather Prediction
- Count on 2
